SERENA PUGA, MD
Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
SERENA PUGA, MD
Psychiatry and Therapy
COMPREHENSIVE MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT FOR ADULTS, ADOLESCENTS AND COUPLES
IN PERSON AND VIDEO APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE
Services
Conditions Treated
Depression
Anxiety/Panic
Bipolar Disorders
Psychotic Disorders
Personality Disorders
Obsessive Compulsive Disorders
Addictive Disorders
Women's Mental Health issues
Trauma and Posttraumatic stress
Eating Disorders
Somatoform Disorders
Work and relationship transitions
Life transitions
Psychological effects of medical illness
Previous treatment impasses
Consultation to other providers
Psychotherapy
For most mental health conditions, talk therapy is a central part of a full recovery. Although I prescribe medications and am grateful to have these powerful tools, I also know there is no substitute for the growth and recovery that psychotherapy can provide, particularly for those who have suffered deeply and for a long time. My approach is primarily informed by psychodynamic thought and some of the benefits include deeper understanding of oneself, a better sense of identity, an increased ability to weather difficult times, and better relationships with one's self, others and the world. I work with patient's to clarify what the problems are, what their goals for change are and how we can work towards them.
Psychiatric Evaluation and management
In concert with your therapist or on my own, I can help clarify what if any psychiatric disorders are present, discuss these with you and determine situations in which medications may be useful. In this era of biological psychiatry, medications have been both hailed and villified, causing a great deal of confusion to patients. As a psychiatrist I am in the best position to educate patients about the realities of medications, assess the need for them and use them in the most responsible way possible, always taking into account the wishes of the patient.
